Three Dimensional Numerical Simulation of a Drop and Drop-to-Wall Interaction under Uniform Electric Field

The behavior of a drop and drop-to-wall interaction under a uniform electric field is studied by numerical simulations in three dimensions. The electric field is created by imposing an electric-potential difference. The Taylor Leaky Dielectric Model, is used to compute electric force. This force is added to Navier-Stokes equations as a body force. The drop can obtain an Oblate shape (deformation perpendicular to direction of electric field) or a Prolate shape (deformation in the direction of electric field) depending on the electric properties of drop and ambient fluid. It found that the deformation of the drop is in agreement with experimental results finding in literature. The interaction of the drop with the existing walls of the channel is investigated for both Oblate and Prolate drops. This is done at various capillary numbers. Attraction of both Oblate and Prolate drops to the wall, are the results. Increasing the electric capillary number reduces the time of attraction for both drops. For Oblate and Prolate drops with similar flows, higher electric capillary number causes distortion of drop surface near the wall. For another type of Prolate drops, increasing the electric capillary number eventuates to more distance between drop center and the wall.